Scriptum writing shop in Oxford has announced a new mental health initiative. Founder of the store, Azeem Zakria, started the scheme following his own battle with depression and is now working with the local church St Michael at the North Gate to set up a weekly mental health support group for men in Oxford.
He told Cherwell that he was looking to help those “less fortunate than himself” and hoped that the scheme will allow him to achieve “a balance between the store having a certain ambience and a safe space during the Coronavirus pandemic”.
A spokesperson for Scriptum said: “We have been fundraising with our Good Place Notebook for a while now, and have just made a donation of £1,200 to Oxfordshire Mind.
“Azeem will be running a men’s letter-writing group, providing tea, coffee, stationery, stamps, and a friendly place to talk in a safe and socially distanced setting. The idea is to allow people to keep in touch with their wider support networks in a low-stress way. It is specifically aimed at men as studies indicate that men are less likely both to talk about their mental health and to seek help, and at the moment the numbers we can have in each group are limited because of Covid restrictions.
“The venues we will be using may vary, but the first meeting will be on Tuesday 19th October in St Michael at the North Gate Church, and we encourage anyone who is interested to email.”
Article originally part of Cherwell News in the print edition.
Christ Church is now 314th among the world’s top 500 global destinations, as ranked by the Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel List 2. This decision can’t be too surprising to anyone familiar with its magnificent architecture, outstanding alumni, and perpetual association with both Alice in Wonderland and the Harry Potter series.
Whether it’s the splendid cathedral or Wren’s Tom Tower, Christ Church just keeps drawing in visitors (although not right now, obviously).
While this update to the original 2015 list comes at a slightly odd time given the continued restrictions on travel imposed by Covid-19, it provides plenty of fuel for the imagination; readers can plan their visits to such destinations as Petra in Jordan, or Cambodia’s Temples of Angkor.
For anyone in need of holiday a bit closer to home, Christ Church features among 33 other UK destinations, an increase from the original 2015 list’s 24 with locations like the Lake District, Wales Coast Path and Giant’s Causeway securing top spots.
While Covid-19 means many of these destinations are unlikely to see an increase in visitors for some time, it’s clear that Christ Church students will continue dodging tourists on their way to tutorials for a long time to come.
Oxford has launched a campaign to recognise the centenary anniversary of women at the University.
On the 7th of October 1920, Oxford began giving full membership to the University to women. While women had studied at the University before, they had been denied degrees. To mark this, the University is running the Women Making History Centenary campaign. It will aim to mark some of the movements and achievements of women that have helped Oxford become a university with more degrees awarded to women than men.
Amongst other events, the University has announced an app providing a walking tour of Oxford with points of interest from the past century’s changes, an online collection of documents illuminating campaigns for female admissions, and an online event to uncover the contribution of women to Geography at Oxford.
Many colleges are also holding celebrations. Mansfield is marking the 40th anniversary of female admittance to the college with a museum-quality exhibition, along with an oral history project to record the experiences of their first female cohort. The first female justice and President of the Supreme Court, Baroness Brenda Hale, will give a public talk on 20th November.
The Hilary Rodham Clinton Chair of Women’s History has also been created to mark the centenary. It is to be given to Professor Brenda E. Stevenson, whose research focuses on race and gender. This position will enable “outstanding, pioneering research, and [will transform] how the subject is taught and studied at Oxford.”
Professor Stevenson told Cherwell: “I hope to provide diversity to the curriculum as well as support programs and projects that will embrace, expand and inspire meaningful research on women in the past and in contemporary societies.”
The Vice-Chancellor said the appointment “will lead to the education of generations of historians who will ensure that women are never again written out of history”.
Regarding this appointment and the wider University campaign, the SU VP Women, Alex Foley, said: “The Covid-19 crisis has thrown the existing disparities in our society into stark relief. The asymmetries in the amount of unpaid labour women are expected to perform has become increasingly apparent, particularly mature students with caring responsibility or student parents. The global events of the past few months have also demonstrated the long road we have to how to achieve racial justice.
“I’ve been extremely pleased to witness the way the Women’s Centenary Group has maintained an intersectional perspective and tried to highlight the persisting barriers to full gender equality in high education for trans women and women of colour.”
In 2019, women comprised half of all undergraduate students, and the number of incoming female undergraduates (53%) exceeded the male intake for the first time.
Students returning to Oxford for Michaelmas have found the system put in place over the summer by the Bodleian Libraries increasingly impractical. With library slots often not available for three days or more in advance, issues were exacerbated on Friday of 0th Week when the History Faculty Library at the Radcliffe Camera cancelled its Click and Collect service due to an inability to “cope with term-time demand”. Any slots already booked were also cancelled at short notice.
Although the Radcliffe Camera is the site of the History Faculty Library, students of all disciplines have been allowed to book slots. The Bodleian Libraries have advised students not to book multiple slots in a week, but there is no restriction on doing this and an information sheet at desks in the Bodleian Libraries references students booking “back-to-back” slots. Many of the Bodleian Libraries are also still open to those who are not residents of the University, including the Radcliffe Camera and the Bodleian Old Library.
History students have been frustrated by the lack of priority given to them by their subject library. Grace Beckwith, a third year who, like many historians, would generally use the Faculty Library several times a week, told Cherwell: “So far the current booking system is making my life quite a bit harder. I’m doing my Special Subject this term, and although a lot of my set texts are digitized, I still need to access a lot of texts that are only available in the Rad Cam. I tried to order some books via the Click and Collect service, but the History Faculty have cancelled the service. To get books, I now have to book Browse and Borrow slots which are a bit difficult to find. It just seems chaotic. It would be useful to have some sort of priority system.”
Furthermore, the potential lack of provision of central university libraries presents a wide range of accessibility problems. Speaking to Cherwell, Leo Gillard, Secretary of DisCam, said: “The limits to more flexible library use will undeniably have an adverse impact on disabled students. The highly restricted number of spaces available for studying and browsing libraries is a particular difficulty, as well as allowing non-disabled students to use disability-related equipment such as riser desks. Additionally, for students with variable conditions booking library slots in advance is much more difficult, as they more not know if they will be well enough to work in a library weeks in advance.”
Other issues are presented for students from a working class background. Sofia Henderson, Co-Chair of the SU Class Act campaign, told Cherwell: “Access to adequate workspaces is a class issue that has only intensified during the pandemic. When faced with a full Oxford term from home, working class and low income students found it difficult to work alongside their parents, siblings, or housemates, and were forced to only use texts which were accessible online. Now that most students are back in Oxford, the University and Oxford colleges must make sure that all students have access to a comfortable working environment and have access to the texts that they need. In many cases, students have been forced to order books themselves, because of the difficulties of being able to get to a library, with some college libraries being closed and faculty libraries having limited copies of texts. While some may be lucky to go to colleges which provide academic or book grants, many students will be left behind and find it difficult to access the same resources as their more privileged peers.”
While college libraries can, in some cases, fulfil the gap left by a lack of access to central facilities, this varies. Even where there is a good provision of books, many college libraries also require booking an advance while some, such as Merton’s, have not reopened at all.
Speaking to Cherwell, a Bodleian Libraries spokesperson said: “The Bodleian Libraries aim to offer as many physical reader spaces as is possible in Michaelmas Term, given the constraints of physical distancing as dictated by Public Health England and University guidance, especially the requirement to maintain 2m physical distancing. This means that we will be able to accommodate 80% of our usual capacity during Michaelmas Term.”
The spokesperson explained that the 80% figure was reached through patterns of usage from previous years rather than assuming maximum capacity. In the Upper Bodleian, just one in four desks are available for use. They continued: “Our Space Finding app is just getting ready to launch and this will enable readers to book slots across the library in a much easier way, including slots to just browse and borrow as well as booking study space.”
On the various accessibility issues surrounding the current system, the spokesperson clarified: “During the booking process, Readers can request any extra provision including a standing desk through the ‘Other Information’ text box on the booking page, these are allocated to registered Readers with access needs on a first-come, first-serve basis. We have responded to feedback and made this easier to book spaces such as these over the summer. Each library has a disability contact who can help facilitate and provide more information about a specific library site. Their contact details can be found on each library page on the university Access Guide.”
Oxford University colleges have been setting up marquees to create extra space to support socially distanced meals and activities in preparation for the start of term.
The marquees make up part of the University’s plans to create a pandemic-robust environment, alongside one-way systems and online teaching. However, the exact usage of the marquees will vary from college to college depending on the specific needs of each.
Magdalen’s marquee in the Deer Park. Credit: Sophie Littlewood
At Merton College, the marquee is to be used as an extra dining room for meals, alongside an alternative use as an area for socialising. In a letter requesting planning permission from the Oxford City Council, Professor Irene Tracy, Warden of the College, wrote that the marquee was “necessary” in order to “provide adequate food provision at a safe social distance as well as provide some social space.”
While the marquees will certainly create more space, the University guidance specifies that “dining halls will generally be open with a reduced capacity to allow appropriate social distancing”. Other measures may include a longer service time, the need to book for meals, and a takeaway option to enable students to eat in their rooms.
Outside Merton’s marquee. Credit: Katarina Javorcekova
In this way, meal arrangements will vary from college to college, especially given the varied capacity. In Merton College, where the arrival of around 600 students is anticipated, the current dining hall, when socially distanced, has been said to only hold up to 50.
However, not all colleges intend to use the marquee for dining. St Edmund Hall has instead opted to use staggered times for dinners. The marquee itself will hold more of a social function, with students not required to wear a mask when “having a drink in the pop-up bar in the Marquee”.
In terms of social functionality, there is still a lot of scope for variation, although some individual colleges have outlined their plans. Trinity College published on their website that Trinity students can “arrange to meet … friends in the gardens, college bar and a newly erected marquee”. This is in addition to meeting with their non-socially distanced household.
Students who have been able to watch the construction of the marquees have broadly reacted positively. One student told Cherwell: “The (very spacious!) marquee will be the perfect place for making dining safe and enjoyable during the pandemic.”
Meanwhile, the Instagram account @stjohnsoxjcr has featured photos of the partially built marquee at night, captioning the post, “honestly night walks in Covid college are a whole vibe.”
Moving to a new city can be disorienting and it might be tempting to skulk away to the chains we all know and love. Although the new Pret coffee subscription is pretty unreal, it’s great to discover unique places to eat that only Oxford has to offer!
Here is a selection of some of the most prized eats in Oxford; these independent gems are all affordable, tasty and veggie-friendly.
Central
Gloucester Green Market
Open Weds-Sat – Just off George Street
A cosy collection of stalls serving street food from around the world, this open-air market will have something for everyone. Prices can get a little steep, but hunt down the giant bao buns and you can bag yourself lunch for £2. With a few picnic benches dotted around, this place is great for a more corona-safe lunch with a few friends; munch on something colourful and browse racks of vintage clothes and antique treasures while you’re at it.
Covered Market
Open everyday till 5pm – Market Street
Similar to Gloucester Green (though less exposed to the elements), this is a great place to find a wide variety of tasty lunch options. Nestled amongst gift shops and florists are some of the best places for affordable food in Ox. Alpha Bar serves up hefty takeaway salads for a fiver, or grab some pad thai for the same price at Sasi’s Thai.
Najar’s Place
Open everyday – St Giles
Perched outside St John’s College, this tiny blue hut is the stuff of dreams. Generally around £3.50, these wraps will put your soggy Tesco meal deal to shame. A hefty, fluffy wrap stuffed with mezze fillings of your choice: falafel, halloumi, roasted cauliflower, packed with salad and drizzled with sauce before being toasted to a golden crisp. Easily a full meal and great value for money, these are guaranteed to keep you coming back.
Alternative Tuck Shop (ATS)
Open weekdays – Holywell Street
At lunchtimes the queue is often down the street for ATS, and there’s good reason why. The range of fillings at this little deli is out of this world, whether you’re vegan, veggie or otherwise. You’ll also be spoilt for choice for bread; bagels, olive ciabatta, baguettes and more. The guys working here are friendly and crazy efficient, so in no time you’ll be at the front of the queue and out the door with the best sandwich in Oxford for under a fiver.
G&D’s
Open everyday – Little Clarendon Street (+2 others in Cowley and St Aldate’s)
G&D’s was originally set up by an Oxford student in 1992, and still serves lush ice cream to this day. Open morning till late, this place is great for studying or swinging by en route back from the pub.
The Nosebag
Open everyday – St Micheal’s street
This little restaurant is tucked away upstairs and so very easily missed while walking down the street, but that is no reason not to seek it out. The portions are very generous for the price and there is a diverse variety of food that guarantees getting something you fancy. The decor and service style (grab a tray and pay at the counter) is unassuming but it is a great place for a relaxed meal.
Swoon
Open till late – High street
This is easily the best ice cream in Oxford with an ever-changing array of flavours that features guest flavours that change on a weekly basis. Go during the winter and the italian hot chocolate is thick, rich, and to die for.
The Handlebar
Open everyday – St Micheal’s street
From the outside, it appears to be a bike shop, but upstairs is a stylishly decorated all-day brunch venue that will guarantee you coming back for more – I unashamedly went three times in one week. Everything on their menu is very easily eaten but the coconut pancake stack with bacon comes particularly highly-recommended.
A little further out (but worth the trip)
Kazbar
Open afternoons everyday – Cowley Road
Whether you’re in it for the tapas or the cocktails, the interior of this place is incredible; mustard walls and comfy sofas surrounded by giant plants, this is not one to miss. A fab place to share a few plates and/or drinks with friends if you’re looking for a nice evening out.
Za-atar bake
Open Tues-Sun – Cowley Road
This Arabic Bakery & cafe has a great range of freshly prepared food and handmade sweets on offer. The shakshuka here is unparalleled and you can grab a freshly baked flatbread for around a fiver. This place additionally offers free food to the homeless, so by eating here you’d be contributing to the community in more ways than one.
Students gathered today in Radcliffe Square to take photos after their online Matriculation ceremony. Students in the crowd were often unmasked and in close proximity.
Every year, students beginning a degree at Oxford partake in Matriculation, in which they are formally inducted as members of the University. The ceremony, usually held in the Sheldonian Theatre, was moved online this year.
Afterwards, students attend a College drinks reception, then often separately take matriculation photos in Radcliffe Square and other locations around Oxford.
This year, despite the lack of in-person ceremony, students formed large crowds around the Radcliffe Camera. Photographs largely were taken in groups smaller than 6, though there were exceptions. The pictures were not organised by the university or colleges.
Some security appeared to be present to keep students away from the Bodleian, but they did not appear to be dispersing the crowd.
Oxford University told Cherwell: “We are aware that a small number of students had their pictures taken in the city centre after the online matriculation event. Our security teams reminded students to adhere to their household bubbles and to adhere to the social distancing guidelines.”
This article was updated with comment from the University at 16:45pm on 17th October.
According to all known laws of the music industry, there is
no way that ‘Somebody That I Used to Know’ should have been a hit. Before its
release, almost nobody outside of Australia had heard of Gotye and even in
Australia, he was very much an obscurity. The chorus does not start until a
minute and a half into the song, after two low-key verses, violating the
accepted rule of pop music stipulating that the chorus should start within the
first minute. The song was mostly recorded at Gotye’s house, not a professional
studio. Rumour has it that the featuring artist, Kimbra, was only brought in as
a replacement after a much higher-profile Australian artist dropped out. The
main instrumental hook is an obscure sample of a Luis Bonfa jazz song. Gotye
himself is a Belgian-Australian artist, a far cry from the usual Brits or
Americans to whom international pop hits seem exclusive. The song wasn’t even
following a trend – most international hits in 2012 more closely resembled Swedish
House Mafia’s ‘Don’t You Worry Child’, with hard-hitting EDM production and
sidechain compression, than stripped-back indie pop.
And yet not only was it a hit, it was an enormous smash. It
topped charts across the globe. Not only did it top the Billboard Hot 100, but
it topped its year-end list too. The music video now has 1.4 billion views on YouTube.
It may not have had the TikTok-provided help many modern indie songs enjoy, but
through twitter promotion from high-profile individuals including Katy Perry,
and later inclusion in the TV show Glee, the song managed to burst out
from its obscure origins and into the world music spotlight.
This immediately begs the question of how. How can a
relatively unknown artist from Australia produce a song that violates almost
every convention of pop music and still produce an enormous hit? This question,
however, can be most easily answered by simply listening to it, whereupon the
quality of this modern classic becomes undeniable.
‘Somebody That I Used to Know’ comes across as an honest
song. In a landscape of music where we do not question the reliability of the
narrator, the dynamic created between the perspectives of Gotye and Kimbra on
the record, with the latter in her verse blatantly calling out the former for
misrepresenting the truth in his, provides a satisfying layer of depth and
realism that one can so rarely enjoy in popular music, or even in any other
genre. Combined with an inspired choice of sample, well produced dynamic shifts
between sections, and a relatively simple, catchy chorus with an earworm hook
line, this song becomes a true ideal of indie pop – bringing something new and
repeatedly interesting to the table on an excellent foundation of pleasing
sonic quality. The relative mellowness of the production and tasteful sample
choices give the song a timeless quality, as if it could have been a hit
whether it was released in 2011, today or 1980. As a package, then, this song
becomes a modern 21st Century classic, destined to stay in memory
and to receive playtime for decades to come alongside the likes of ‘F—k you’,
‘Get Lucky’, ‘Kids’ and ‘Uptown Funk’.
We should, of course, not forget the final ingredient that
made ‘Somebody That I Used to Know’ a hit – the video. Much like the rest of
the song, it is distinct and unique, and its art style matches the album cover
art well. The concept of two people naked against a background, performing the
song mostly stationary, whilst both the wall and the people are painted in a
matching pattern was immediately attention-grabbing and memorable. I would like
to say this is because the two artists being nude brings out some ‘raw’ or
‘undisguised’ nature of the song lyrics and meaning, but while this may be
true, it is likely this video stuck with people for the same reason putting
tits in a YouTube thumbnail guarantees more views – sex sells. After all, much
of the very early success of the song in gaining traction and shares from the
aforementioned high-profile individuals were shares of the video.
I should admit here that I’m something of a Gotye fan. Making
Mirrors was the first album I ever bought in physical form (and, given the
advent of Spotify, one of the last). Beyond ‘Somebody That I Used to Know’, I would
highly recommend that you listen to some of Gotye’s other highlight tracks:
‘Heart’s a Mess’, ‘Eyes Wide Open’, ‘State of the Art’ and ‘Easy Way Out’ are
all excellent listens, and indeed all come with their own memorable videos.
I find it a great shame, then, that Gotye (real name Wally
de Backer) has released nothing since. He apparently has absolutely no interest
in maintaining a celebrity status and producing music for a popular audience
(making his enormous pop success all the more astounding and impressive), and
has spent the years since Making Mirrors maintaining the legacy of an
obscure instrument called the Ondioline and performing as part of his long-time
band, The Basics. He has yet to properly announce any future solo Gotye
projects.
So, if you turn on Radio 2 in 40 years to listen to an oldies’ program in an attempt to escape whatever monstrosities our children will have come up with to play on Radio 1, don’t be surprised to hear the familiar opening notes of Gotye’s only major hit. After all, one can already find plenty of evidence on YouTube, from parodies to ‘80s remixes, that the song has scarcely left the public consciousness at all. And that is something you definitely cannot say about most charting songs from 2012.
An investigation into the attainment of ex-state school students, which includes both state comprehensive and state grammar, and ex-independent school students at Oxford has shown that between the academic years 2014-15 and 2018-19, independent school students got a higher proportion of distinction grades in 14 of the 15 largest subjects at preliminary examinations.[1]
The only exception is physics, in which an
average of 16.8% of ex-independent school students received distinction grades
per year compared to 23.1% of ex-state school students.
In contrast, history and chemistry are the subjects with the biggest divide between state and independent school attainment, with an average of 37.4% of independent school students receiving a distinction in history prelims compared to 26.4% of state school students across the past 5 years, whilst the figures for chemistry are 38.8% and 28.6% respectively.
The history faculty did not comment on whether they are doing anything to address the fact that the proportion of state school students receiving distinctions at prelims has been consistently lower than the proportion of independent school students for every year of the past five years.
Despite the stark attainment gap at prelims, by finals ex-state school students got a higher proportion of firsts in 8 of the 15 subjects. While these were predominately STEM subjects, the eight also included geography and modern languages.
Whilst it is good news that the distribution
of firsts between ex-state and ex-independent school students is equivalent at
finals, the importance of prelims both psychologically and materially means
that the disadvantage state school students face cannot be ignored.
This investigation calls into question the awarding of monetary prizes for performance in prelims. Whilst prizes are meant to solely reward students based on academic ability, it is clear that they are more likely to be awarded to those who come from more affluent backgrounds. These prizes are far from insignificant, with some colleges awarding over £300 per year. There are also colleges which give further financial benefits to their Scholars, such as St. Hugh’s, whose Scholars, alongside a £200 scholarship per year, also get several nights free vacation residence annually. Keble gives its Scholars “two free meals a week in Hall during term” alongside £200 off their battels per year.
Along with monetary prizes, a distinction in prelims enables you to wear a coveted Scholar’s Gown. The psychological implications of such a tradition has been called into question many times before, but the student body voted to retain it in an OUSU vote in 2017. However, in light of the above analysis, it seems strange that a student body who voted to retain subfusc in 2015 because of it being a mark of equality, would be happy to also keep Scholar’s Gowns which are demonstrated here to be a mark of inequality. A spokesperson from the Student Union said: “If students want to bring the issue to the student council this year, we’d be more than happy to have another vote on the issue.”
Sofia Henderson, the co-chair of Class Act, a
Student Union campaign which supports and represents students from
underrepresented socio-economic backgrounds at Oxford, says: “The fact that students from state school backgrounds find
it difficult to attain the same marks as their more privileged peers at the end
of first year means that all the awarding of monetary prizes, room ballot
privileges and scholar’s gowns does is entrench class divisions in Oxford
further”.
The 93% Club, a recently
established society which aims to make state-educated students feel more at home
within Oxford, takes a different approach to scholars’ gowns, saying: “We are not looking to tear down our traditions,
but instead build up from them. A future in which state educated students
flaunt the Scholar’s gown in higher proportions is entirely possible, as long
as we continue to make the effort to include them and help reveal the talent
they have, in full.”
Prelim examination results do not just have
short term impacts but can influence the course of a student’s post-university
career, with many applying to jobs and graduate schemes before they have
received their final degree result. Therefore, for many subjects the only
official University examination which will be seen by the prospective employer
when they apply will be their preliminary examination result. This makes it all
the more important for the University to make a conscious effort to combat the
inequality.
Sofia Henderson says: “Oxford must work harder
to ensure that these students are not left behind, and that they are given the
encouragement, resources and flexibility that they need to settle into the
academic environment at Oxford and achieve the grades they deserve.”
The
93% Club suggests that a greater attempt by some tutors to acknowledge “the ‘cultural capital’ that a classical education
provides” would be a “step in the right direction”.
They
also express concern about the potential for coronavirus to worsen the divide
between state and independently educated students for future cohorts of
students arriving in Oxford. They say: “We would expect that those who have
missed teaching are given sufficient pre-reading, resources, and study skills
advice upon entering the University. Otherwise, we fear that the gap between
the best and worst educated diverges further.”
Tucker
Drew, the Access and Academic Affairs representative for the Oxford Student
Union said: “We’re supporting the Centre for Teaching and Learning in
their development of new study skill platforms for incoming students. I also
plan to lobby this year for the implementation of a clearer set of academic
expectations for new students. Students should not have to rely on their older
peers to tell them what’s expected in Oxford work or how to write a tutorial
essay, that information should come from the tutors and departments
themselves.”
A
spokesperson from the University of Oxford said: “The University is committed
to ensuring all students can succeed at Oxford regardless of their backgrounds,
and we have set out ambitious plans for reducing attainment gaps between
different groups of students in our Access and Participation Plan.”
“Programs such as the recently launched Opportunity Oxford are specifically designed to ease the
burden of transition to Oxford for students from the most disadvantaged backgrounds, from the very start of
their time at university.”
“There
is still some evidence of disparities by the end of their first year of study.
However, attainment gaps reduce as students get closer to graduation, which
indicates that the University’s approach to levelling out prior educational
disparities is working over time. We
continue to focus on this area to ensure that all students can thrive
throughout their time at Oxford.”
Having acknowledged the attainment gap at the end of the first year of studies, it would seem odd that the University is happy to maintain a system which rewards that gap via the scholar’s gown and monetary prizes. The University has a long way to go in addressing this issue, which has shown no sign of improving in the past five years.
[1] For Classics this is based on an average of 4
years, between 2014-15 and 2017-18, since I did not have access to the results
for the 2019 preliminary examinations.
University College have told all students at their accommodation site in North Oxford to stay within their households, from this afternoon. This includes almost 100 second-year undergraduates and some graduate students.
The college told students in an email that the lockdown has been caused by “a spike in positive Covid-19 tests among Univ students”. Students are waiting on “further advice” about how long the lockdown will last, and it is described as a “precautionary measure”.
This is the first known case of accommodation-wide isolation in Oxford, though many other colleges have households currently in isolation. Other colleges may also be dealing with significant clusters.
The measures are in light of concerns about Public Health England (PHE) involvement, who can step in to manage the outbreak with further restrictions when there is a cluster. Students will receive an update by midday Monday at the latest, after a PHE review.
Students will be supported with grocery deliveries, laundry, and welfare.
The University of Oxford reported 61 Covid-19 cases in Freshers’ week, making 91 total confirmed cases among staff and students from 20th August to 9th October.
A spokesperson from University College told Cherwell: “There has been a spike in the number of students at University College who have tested positive for COVID-19. The students involved live in college accommodation on one of the College’s sites. As of Saturday 17 October there have been 19 positive cases.
“The College is working with Oxford University’s Early Alert Service and the public health authorities to ensure that appropriate measures are in place to limit the spread of the virus. On an interim basis, the College has asked students who are resident on the site concerned to remain in their households, pending further advice.
“College staff and student representatives are in regular contact, and are making sure that students have food and other support. Online tuition and other academic support will also be available. ‘We are working with students to reduce risks both to them and to the wider community’, said a college officer. ‘Resident staff are on hand to offer support and advice as required.’”
This article was updated at 18:15 on 17th October to include University College’s comment.
